Our Nani

Our Nani has passed away tonight.

She was the warmest most loving person the world has ever known. She never met a stranger and was always the first to give you the shirt off her back while singing you the song in her heart. She knew how to love, how to laugh, and how to live. She was larger than life... even in death, surrounded by her loved ones.

She has left this earth but has not left our hearts. She will live on in each of us.

Nani, we promise to make you proud. We promise to laugh when life gets too serious, to sing when we want to cry and to dance every time we hear a song from The Sound of Music.

There will never be another Nani Lou Ann. She was truly one of a kind.

I will miss her every day for the rest of my life.

~Gen

Hippie Chic!

Not only is Auntie Erin brave and adventurous, she is also talented and creative. She came for their visit with toddler craft books in hand and all sorts of fun ideas up her sleeve. One of her projects for the kids was tie dye!

The kids LOVED every second of this messy and colorful craft. The hard part: waiting for them to be ready to wear. You know how much a toddler LOVES instant gratification! Surprisingly, they didn't seem to mind once we hit the bath tub and woke up the next day ready for the next step in the process. When those shirts finally came out of the dryer you would have thought they won the lottery.

So MESSY but SO FUN!

Ally Boo Boo and Auntie Erin
-I can't decide who Ally looks more like, Erin or my sister Katie?
I think she's a mix!

Libs and her Joey

Strike a pose Miss Molly!

Give me your best "Blue Steel," buddy!

By Tuesday afternoon their creations were clean, dry and ready to be worn! The timing was perfect as we got them dressed for a very special outing. Our great friend, Michelle, gave me the heads up on a fun event at our local Zoo. Tuesday nights they have a live band and yummy food for the whole family. As frequent Zoo visitors, I thought, dude.. that is right up our alley! With Conor working late, off we went, the kids..dressed to impress. They were SO proud of their shirts.. OMG it was cute!

When we got to the zoo we made the rounds and visited our favorite animals. Along the way Auntie Mel Mel and Auntie Katie arrived to join Erin, me, Joey and the goof balls in the fun. The kids were out numbered by adults.. it was AWESOME and actually very relaxing.

Joey, Erin and the kiddos

Auntie Erin and Me

The Flamingo!

-By little Libby

Truck driving kiddos

Ally Boo Boo

Auntie Mel Mel and Me

Mo Mo

"Nemo? Nemo is that you in that giant fish tank?"

-LOVE the fish

(L to R)

Libs, Russ, Mo and Ally

Russell Man

After taking our time with the animals, we found a great spot near the band to lay out our blanket and enjoy the moment. The kids were shy at first but eventually got up and danced for the crowd. It was so much fun!!! If you live in the Sacramento area you really should check it out. I think they only have two Tuesday's left this summer.

Joey, Me and Erin

-Enjoying the music and each other

Joey and Erin

-WE MISS YOU!

"Look Mommy, it's Papa John!"

-Molly

For a fun clip of our tiny dancers click on the video below. Auntie Erin shot a cute couple moments....

Have a fun weekend everyone - dance like no one is watching!

XOXO
~Gen

Dinner Dates

Conor and I have been SPOILED rotten lately with date nights! No joke, we went out while his parents were here last week. Then, on our actual anniversary, last Sunday, we got to go out again- thanks to his sister, Erin and her boyfriend, Joey!!

You guys are so sweet to kick us out of the house and we had such a great time! Don't worry, we aren't getting too used to all this romance! LOL;) Nah, it's been so good for us! THANK YOU!

Now, Erin and Joey aren't your average young couple. They are both incredibly BRAVE and adventurous. Case in point, while we were out to dinner, they packed the kids in the car and took them out as well! Conor and I were so impressed! Our kids LOVE to eat out but only do so on special occasions- like when family is in town. Not only did the 6 of them have a great time, but it was a HUGE success! Erin and Joey, you guys are awesome!

While I was getting ready for our big date, I was getting the kiddos "ready" as well! The girls love my bling and makeup. It's funny, if ever they are missing, I know just where to find them... in my makeup bag!! I've lost many a good mascara this way (ALLY!)! They are three of the girliest girls I have ever met! I LOVE IT!!!! Not to be left out, Russ got in on the action as well. However, he ONLY wanted to wear my "boy stuff." I didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't have any boy stuff, so we just pretended. He found some red shells, and was a happy camper.

"Russell, I love your MAN BLING!"
-Molly, all dressed up with some place fun to go!
(L to R)
Molly, Russ, Ally and Libby

"I'm sorry, didn't you go on a date last week? Where, EXACTLY, do you think you are going?"

-Miss Molly, our resident mama's girl.
(Suz, are you recognizing all this bling?)

Libs, ready for her close up

Ally Boo Boo-seriously stylin!

Cheeeezers!

Ally and Auntie Erin

Conor and I had a nice mellow dinner and the kiddos had a BLAST at Chevy's with their Aunt and Joey. Seriously, what a cool night it was, all around!

Hungry Man Russ

Molly, always willing to strike a pose!

Silly Ally!
The kid is ALWAYS trying to make us laugh and she ALWAYS succeeds.

"MY Joey!"
Our Libby has been MADLY in love with Joe since she was a baby.

Gen and Conor

*about to see Transformers 2!

Thank you again for the great night guys and for having so much fun with the kids. It was so easy to be out and relax knowing you loved being with them as much as they LOVE being with you!!

I hope you all had a great week! TGIF!

Belated.. 4th of July!

We've had a wonderful week! Conor's sister, Erin and her boyfriend, Joey came into town last Thursday and stayed until this morning! We had such a great time with them and I have SO much to blog about- MAN am I behind!!

The 4th of July is one of our favorite holidays. One filled with tradition and fun times for all. We can't wait to do it all over again next year. The kiddos proudly wore their red, white and blue! They LOVED spending the day with all of our aunts, uncles, cousins and friends!

They are growing up WAY to fast... WAY too fast!

"One of these kids is doing his own thing... one of these kids is just isn't the same..."
-Gotta love our Russell, the kid lights up the room
(L to R)

Russ, Molly, Libby and Ally

They have such a strong bond.
I love watching them LOVE EACH OTHER!

(L to R)

Molly, Libby, Ally and Russ

We hope you all had a GREAT holiday weekend!

We miss you already Erin and Joey! Now, I'm off to work on my next post.. so much fun stuff to share!

Happy Thursday everyone!

'Daddy....Is That Your Weenie?'

"I'd like a Venti, Nonfat, Double Humiliation please!"
Roast master Russ

Didn't really know how to title this post - so figured I'd cut straight to the chase.

As part of our weekend rituals, one on one time Saturday morning found Russ and I grabbing some "dude time" on a Starbucks run.

The little man is a walking sound bite, constantly narrating his take on life and asking questions about anything in site. Sometimes I forget that conversations from the house don't necessarily stay there. With all the potty training, and the always popular topic of "boys vs. girls," Russ is enthralled with his anatomy, and pretty much anything having to do with being a boy (because girls "don't have one.") Sometimes it just comes out of the blue, with no rhyme or reason.

Standing in line to order, the little man was happy commenting on the coffee packs, water bottles, and tumbler cups surrounding the counter. Starbucks isn't exactly a quiet place on a Saturday morning, but thankfully the momentary lapse in conversations and shouting of orders from the baristas provided a timely opportunity for everyone to hear the following:

(running over, pointing at my shorts, yelling with excitement)
"Daddy - Is That Your Weenie?"

After turning eight shades of red, and nodding thanks for the laughter and applause from the staff and patrons, I hurriedly whispered "yeah, buddy. let's use our inside voices..." and walked over to the counter to order. I'm sure every parent out there can relate to this scenario in some way, shape or form.

I love our kids, love being a dad, and most of all... love memories like these to look back on. I know my dad is cackling with delight reading this post after all the things we put him through!

Have a great week!

-Conor

Happy Anniversary!

Conor and I have been married for 6 years TODAY!!

We met in college. I was the first person to welcome him to the University of San Francisco. I checked him into his dorm room. He was a transfer student from the University of Wisconsin. He left the Midwest to come play soccer in San Francisco and I'm so glad he did!! Two years after our first meeting, we started dating and the rest is history.


In the early days we were madly in love and full of dreams of what life would bring us. We never imagined the road to parenthood would be full of so many trials, tribulations and heart break. We NEVER imagined where that journey would take us. We stuck together through it all and became stronger than ever before. We became a team, a team that would become blessed with four amazing, unique and beautiful children.

Marriage isn't easy, but... it's worth it! Life is never what you expect it to be, we find new curve balls around every corner. Wouldn't it be boring otherwise!?!

We are two of the luckiest people in this world and we will NEVER take one single day, each other or our children for granted.

Happy Anniversary Babe! I love you with all of my heart and I am so proud of all we have overcome. We make a great team and I am so proud to be your wife!

Gen and Conor

6 years and four 3 year olds

I hope you all had a great 4th of July!
I'll post pictures from our day soon.

The Hangover

No, not the hysterical/instant classic we saw this weekend, rather, a different kind of hangover...

I'm talking about, what I will now (that my kids are sleeping soundly), affectionately refer to as "The Grandparent Hangover!"

All of you parents out there know EXACTLY where I'm going with this!!

When you have company in town, the kids start to get used to it. You have lots of awesome helping hands and are busier than ever. It's a blast and so great while it lasts. However, when they leave... OH MY LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gma Deb and Papa John pulled out of the driveway at 7:05am yesterday and the meltdowns began. They DID NOT STOP until bedtime.

The kids and I had MANY errands to run. I was silly, or maybe delusional, to think that being out of the house might help with the massive case of the CRANKIES! Needless to say, it did not go well. We powered through and some how made it home in one piece. However, I don't think our regular haunts will ever be the same.

First we hit Costco for our usual list of weekly necessities. Ally SCREAMED the entire way through. People must have thought they were doing free samples/demos of air horns in there...

(L to R)

Ally, Russ, Libby and Molly

Food seemed to be the only thing that would calm the beasts. So here we are taking a lunch break. Moments later Libby and Molly were both SCREAMING over the drink, Ally was shouting at the bird that landed on the table next to ours and Russ just wanted to "go home." Usually this is sorta normal. However, yesterday.. they were utterly inconsolable. It was REALLY fun.

The topper of the Costco trip was a sweet old man who stopped me in my flustered tracks! "Hey, you've got your hands full. At least it's not 8! I hope your NOT having anymore!" I just shook my head (NO), smiled, did a little nervous laugh and kept walking. Oh boy, don't even get me started BUDDY!

I buckled my precious children in kicking and screaming. Then, I unloaded the cart and hopped in the noisy car. My ears were ringing.

After I unloaded the car and reloaded the kids, we were off to the cleaners and grocery store. I was sweating like crazy, but all seemed good in our world. Phew, silence.

That lasted the car ride to the parking lot, about 3 minutes. Being the stubborn, determined, pig headed mommy that I am, we powered on. However, I felt really bad for all the innocent bystanders!

As we were leaving the dry cleaners, all four kids in tears, I looked up and got a brilliant idea, Jamba Juice!! It's hot, they are cranky and I have a gift card in my wallet, this might be just the thing we need! So, off we went!

"Oh boy, she's gonna feed us some yummy treats girls!"

-Russ

"Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy!"

-Ally, isn't' her whining adorable!?! I'm thinking of changing my name!

It was the first time I had taken them to Jamba. They weren't sure what to make of it. But, it stopped the other three from crying and dulled Ally to a whiny roar.

I'm happy to say that the smoothies did the trick! ALL FOUR KIDDOS WERE HAPPY FOR EXACTLY 10 minutes!!! Thank you Jamba!!!!

Miss Molly

Ally, QUIET and happy, THANK GOD!!!

Libby, LOVED her "frozen juice!"

-the hair ties....not so much...

Russ, not sure.. but quickly became a BIG FAN!

All smiles outside! I was even smiling too! ;)

(Front to Back)

Russ, Libby, Screamy ( I mean Ally) and Molly

We hit the grocery store next and the happy vibe quickly changed. Ally proceeded to have melt down #500 on isle 5. Needless to say I shopped at the speed of light and got out of there right before she fell completely apart. I actually ended up carrying her out of the store (while pushing the stroller) under my arm like a football with everyone in line staring at me blankly. By the time I reached the car all four kids were screaming and it was time to get home. Our other errands would just have to wait.

The afternoon was one melt down after the next and I just kept telling myself.. "tomorrow is gonna be a better day!"

Hey, if you can't beat 'um... join 'em.................

"But I wanna go to the store again and see just how BIG of a scene I can cause!!!"

"But Mommy, why can't I drive your car?"

"Mommy, I told you, I want a PINK PONY!"

"I've had enough. I can't take all this screaming. WHEN is my daddy coming home!?!"

-Russ

Poor Ally. I feel so bad for picking on her through this whole post! It's funny, she's USUALLY my MOST easy going child. I can ALWAYS count on her for a hug, smile and a "whatever" attitude. My poor baby just had one heck of a BAD day! The other kids aren't used to her acting like that either. I think that's why she kept triggering the mass melt downs.

Anyway, as I'm sitting here on the sofa, eating dinner and watching bad TV, I can't help but laugh at the day we had. I mean, if you don't have your sense of humor in life.. what do you have?

Today was a MUCH better day. I think the kids are finally starting to readjust after nursing "The Hangover" - LOL!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Outta Control Humongous QUADRUPLE Post!

I almost did it! I almost blogged every night last week! But.. I must admit, I pooped out! I've been working on this post since last Thursday night! It just keeps getting longer and longer. So, tonight I've got a QUADRUPLE post with TONS of pictures!! It's outta control HUGE!

We have been VERY BUSY!!

Last night Conor and I went on a romantic date to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary! We had a nice dinner and hit up a movie. Our anniversary isn't until July 5th, but with his parents here, it was the prefect opportunity for us to sneak away for the evening. It was a great night and we decided we NEED to have "date nights" much more often! ;)

Happy almost anniversary babe!

I love you!

Today was Gma Deb and Papa John's last day in town. It's been horribly hot, so, we decided to take the kids to see their second movie. The theatre was nice and cool and the movie was darling! We saw Monsters vs Aliens.

(L to R)

Conor, Ally, Libby, Grandma Deb, Molly, Russ and Papa John

Me and my mama's Girl, Molly

Before the temps hit the afternoon triple digits, we've been playing outside in the morning. These pics crack me up because the kiddos chose their own outfits. You've gotta love the fashion sense of a toddler.

Silly Princess Ally Boo Boo

Molly in her nightie

Russell Man

A.K.A

Spider Man

With the AC going full blast we tried to beat the heat inside too...

Papa John giving Russ a few helpful hints.

Cheering mommy on while I set up the bounce house.

(L to R)

Ally, Russ, Libby and Molly

Air conditioning and snack time!

So, since it has been hotter than Hades, we've been spending most of our time swimming and playing in the back yard. As ALWAYS, we are ALL smothered in water babies spf 50. If you didn't catch my post on sun safety, you view it here.

Ally Boo Boo

Molly Mo Mo

Russell Man

Little Libby

Early this week we took the kids to the Rail Road Museum in Old Sacramento. Children under 5 are FREE!! You've gotta love that!

Good Old Sacramento

(L to R)

Libby, Molly, Pj, Russ, Ally and Gma Deb

Little Libby

Funny Ally

Molly Mo Mo

Russell Man

-The kid LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES trains. It's SOOOO cute!

Quadville, train set style!

The girls

Ally, Molly and Libby

Molly and Mommy

The kiddos thought everything, including the pictures on the wall were the most exciting things they had ever seen! There isn't much better than seeing the world through the eyes of a child. We had a great time and followed it up with a very fun lunch at Joe's Crab Shack! Every 30 minutes the staff dances. It's a crack up and the kiddos LOVED it!

Pj and his grandchildren checking out the steam boat.

Papa John and Grandma Deb

*Happily married for 33 years*

"What? You mean you can get up from the table and dance here? I'm in heaven!!"

-Funny Ally

"Mommy, they gave me MY OWN colors!!!!!!"

-Excited Libby

"Yes, I'll have the crab cakes, followed by some french fries & an ice cream sundae.

Thanks!"

-Russ, LOVES restaurants!

Molly and Mommy

Are you noticing a theme yet? Molly is going through a bit of a phase and IS ALWAYS STUCK TO MY HIP! No joke! She is a mama's girl through and through. I guess she always has been. Uh oh! Maybe it's not a phase!?! Ha ha ha! She was very busy with her crayon and paper "taking my order" the entire lunch. She is one funny girl.

Enjoying all the decorations

We spent Wednesday at Auntie Barb's pool while John worked on the interior painting. Thank you so much John! It's a GREAT start and we appreciate it more than words can say! I'll post interior before and after pictures when we finish the entire job. It's gonna take some time for Conor and I to finish.

Already swimming laps! Yep, I'm one PROUD mommy!!!

Little B

Ally Boo

Ally and Auntie Barb

Russell Man

Miss Molly

Thank you so much for having us Auntie Barb! As always, the kids had a BLAST and so did Gma Deb and I! We love you.

On Thursday, thanks to Deb and John, I was able to break away for a couple hours to visit my grandmother, Nani. She has been very sick for quite some time. She means more to mean than words could ever express. Molly Lou Ann is named after her! She is one of the most amazing human beings I have ever known and a SAINT on this Earth. When Nani is up for it, I take the kids to see them. But, I haven't been to see her alone in a really long time. Time alone with her is my idea of heaven on Earth. She is so special. I am going to miss her when she is gone, I can't even type that without tearing up. Thank you Gma Deb and Pj for giving me that gift. I cherish each and every second I have with her.

My Nani and Me

-laying in bed

My Grandmparents

My grandparents have been married for 53 years and you can actually FEEL the unconditional love, adoration and respect between them. It's a beautiful and powerful thing. Not only is Molly named for my Nani, but Russ is named after my Gramp. These two people are two of the most important people in my life. I am one very lucky girl and I know the rest of our wonderful family feels the exact same way!

Oh boy! Sorry to get so mushy on all ya'll! ;) We've just had so much going on lately and I can't help but stop to count my blessing and share my gratitude!

Gma Deb and Papa John are hitting the road tomorrow morning. Thank you guys so much for all the hard work you put into the house while you were here. We couldn't have done it without you! Thank you also for all the wonderful memories we have made together. We love you guys and hope to make it up to Ptown later this summer. We will miss you so much! Drive safely!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and have a great week. We have all kinds of plans. Auntie Erin (Conor's sister) and her boyfriend, Joey, will be coming into town for a visit at the end of the week. The kiddos are so excited!

Alrighty, it's still in the tripple digits and it's nearly 9pm.. I'm off to stick my head in the freezer!

Have a Happy Monday!